[Q] Running un-released radio and your warranty - Thunderbolt Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I'm definitely excited that this new radio firmware has been leaked, but my dilemma is thus:
My wife and I both have Thunderbolts. I've rooted mine, thrown on custom ROMs, kernels, etc, but hers is stock. Her battery life is MUCH worse on stock than mine, even with the brightness, sync, etc turned down, so she's about to the point of wanting me to root/flash hers too.
Unfortunately, we may have to return her phone as the speakerphone is all but unusable due to feedback/noise issues while in a call. I know it's fairly simple to return a phone to stock, and Verizon can't tell over the air what ROM or kernel you're using, but from what I can gather, they CAN tell what radio version you're using. If I have to return her phone for warranty issues, will they see that she's had the leaked radio firmware and thus deny the claim?

if you are going to return it why go through the hassle of rooting and what not just return it then root the new one and install the new radio version.

ckochinsky125 said:
if you are going to return it why go through the hassle of rooting and what not just return it then root the new one and install the new radio version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. Just return the phone now if you are having problems.

I concur, but Verizon is giving me the runaround as I have yet to be able to reproduce the issue for them over the phone or in store. My main concern wasn't so much with rooting and flashing, but more of whether to use the "unauthorized" radio firmware update.
Sent from my HTC Thunderbolt using Perfect Storm themed XDA App

Veridor said:
I concur, but Verizon is giving me the runaround as I have yet to be able to reproduce the issue for them over the phone or in store. My main concern wasn't so much with rooting and flashing, but more of whether to use the "unauthorized" radio firmware update.
Sent from my HTC Thunderbolt using Perfect Storm themed XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my experience, the employees at the Verizon stores know less about the Thunderbolt than I do. I had to get my SD card replaced (twice), and though my phone wasn't rooted I doubt they would have noticed, and I would bet that they wouldn't notice a different radio on your wife's device.
Also, didn't Jcase release an unmodified/signed RUU of the new radio? Sounds to me like that would be indistinguishable from an "authorized" radio update. (Disclaimer: I am not an expert and this is pure speculation which would very well be 100% false.)

Bibble13 said:
In my experience, the employees at the Verizon stores know less about the Thunderbolt than I do. I had to get my SD card replaced (twice), and though my phone wasn't rooted I doubt they would have noticed, and I would bet that they wouldn't notice a different radio on your wife's device.
Also, didn't Jcase release an unmodified/signed RUU of the new radio? Sounds to me like that would be indistinguishable from an "authorized" radio update. (Disclaimer: I am not an expert and this is pure speculation which would very well be 100% false.)
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Click to collapse
Will have to look in to that. Guess I'm paranoid about them flagging my account as "teh haxx!" from using an unreleased radio.

If you plan to do a lot of tethering, wired or wireless, I don't suggest you flash it. Other than that you really have nothing to worry about.

Just call tech and tell them the phone wont boot, they cant get you to trouble shoot a phone that wont boot up. They never check the phones you warranty out. I've warrantied out phones with cracked screens, water damage, you name it.

g00s3y said:
If you plan to do a lot of tethering, wired or wireless, I don't suggest you flash it. Other than that you really have nothing to worry about.
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Click to collapse
Why do you recommend not flashing the new radio if you are tethering?

Because, it isn't released yet. There have been reports (i.e. claims) of VZW cracking down on people who tether a lot and are running the unreleased radio. True or not, it's your decision.

When the ThunderBolt came out I had the iPhone 4. I had just gotten it from my sister's line 14 days before. I was going to upgrade from the 16gb to the 32gb but then I saw the ThunderBolt and changed my mind. Since I've had the BlackBerry Storm (CrackBerry was my favorite site), the iPhone 3GS (Jailbroken) Moto Droid OG (Rooted), Incredible (Rooted), I have had a long line of never leaving my phone stock. My iPhone 4 was no different. I was at work and didn't have time to un-Jailbreak it so I left it that way and brought it to the store. The reps took back the phone and I got the ThunderBolt. Needless to say, the reps are all about making money and trying to up sell you on accessories. They barely ever check the software of the phone.

related but a bit off topic
Dumb question.. This is related but, a bit off topic, since I'm gonna wait and root once gingerbread arrives (yeah yeah, i know), if I install the new UNROOTED Ruu will I still be able to receive the OTA version incase anything is different or changed in it? Also, will it affect getting OTA gingerbread??? Thanks to all!

When I got my Thunderbolt the rep told me about this site and we had a discussion about rooting. He had an iPhone4 which was jailbroken. He was going to get a Thunderbolt and he was looking forward to rooting it and trying some ROM's.
Another rep came over and joined the discussion. They obviously are 'unofficially' fine with it.

Your mileage may vary with reps. They aren't supposed to activate or look at any phone with third party software. But after activating my t-bolt and talking to a rep about rooting it he mentioned he turned away a kid with a X with liberty1.5. Just don't come in like and asshole. Think of your job, you're more than willing to go above and beyond for someone thats 'cool' and not looking for something for nothing.

Worse comes to worse, if you purchased the monthly warranty for your phone just tell them you lost it and pay the fee to get another one. That way they have no clue about anything.
Just pull the battery incase you have the find my android activated with them

Unless I'm mistaken, you can head over to this XDA thread and download the stock radio (1.12.605.6 = stock CDMA radio & 1.16.00.0223r = stock LTE radio)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1045081
---
(The following text is re-posted from the above URL) :
Lastly (for now), we have the 1.12.605.6 CDMA/LTE radio combo.
CDMA Radio version: 1.16.00.0223r
LTE radio version that came with 1.12.605.6
http://www.multiupload.com/J0K4DL6SMQ
or
http://dougpiston.com/ThunderBolt/Radios/1.12.605.6_CDMA_1.13.605.7_LTE_radio-PG05IMG.zip
(rename to PG05img.zip)
MD5 - A740031D09FC97D1B48FBEDFE73FDD24
---
I hope that helps you with your decision regarding your wife's phone.
Best,
M.

Related

Anyone had a warranty rejected due to wrong radio

I want to upgrade my radio (Tmobile uk stock 1.05, terrible reception), but I'm fearful in case I need the warranty. I know I can't go back if I upgrade to the ones with Bootloader 1.08. Has anyone been refused warranty due to having flashed their radio?
fyi: I have never read anywhere that a warranty was rejected due to wrong radio. By chance if a carrier store would reject it, then I would just take the PPC to a different store.
Although I've never heard of it either I'd say it's a valid concern as the carriers don't offer the radio as a separate flash. Now that the generic TyTN ROM has been released, however, I'd say you could probably make a pretty good argument for having 1.48 installed. Just my .02.
I have had my 8525 replace twice and 8125 (back when I had it) replace once. My radio rom was always different but they never rejected the phones.
Is this the day of the worry worts! First the mediamax thread and now this. I take it for granted that if I mess with my device I void the warranty...however I also would try to submit a claim and be the squeaky wheel to the warranty dept until they honored my claim. I dont think in the case of ATT they check these things for XBM anyway.
Im a newb so excuse me if I missed something, but I sent my phone in for warranty replacement recently and I used Mr. Vanx's guide for downgrading and was able to roll the radio back the version listed in the current Cing/ATT ROM that is downloadable.
Oleschuldad said:
Im a newb so excuse me if I missed something, but I sent my phone in for warranty replacement recently and I used Mr. Vanx's guide for downgrading and was able to roll the radio back the version listed in the current Cing/ATT ROM that is downloadable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's fine if there's an official upgrade for your carrier. TMobile UK haven't released anything and if I flash to 1.50 I will not be able to to go back to the original. To hell with it tho, I'm going for it.
Let me know how it goes
I tried doing it to mine and I've been in the basement for months trying to fix it.
Korpse said:
Let me know how it goes
I tried doing it to mine and I've been in the basement for months trying to fix it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems OK but my 3G is now called H and it runs at 200kbps instead of 800, so perhaps not the greatest upgrade.

Moto Does It Again!! (People are not gonna be happy)

Well, I hear the 2.3.5 update is coming for the MoPho. If you want to be able to flash custom roms, kernels, etc. you should read here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1620905 It appears if you flash this you may have the same issue the Electrify users had after they flashed 2.3.5.
Way to keep, I mean, break a promise Moto!
My MoPho's in the kitchen sink!!
I actually have 4G at my office and thats why unlocking has been a deal breaker for me. This is also the reason I wont buy another Motorola device. I bought this device, I own it. Motorola said they would unlock the bootloaders and now its pretty apparent they arent going to. I wont make the mistake of buying another Motorola phone. They need to just go back o Verizon and stay there.
LexLuger82 said:
<MOD EDIT>
Sent from my MB855 using xda premium
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Click to collapse
Maybe. I guess I can consider myself lucky. I mean, IMHO, Moto's hardware is better than most. They are well built, my reception is top notch, and I do have an unlocked device.
The part that makes Moto suck is the software end. They said they would unlock things, but it appears this is not the case. And who's to say that Sprint doesn't have a hand in this, either? I mean, if we unlock, flash, etc. we are using our devices how WE want, not how THEY want.
Just saying..............
My MoPho's in the kitchen sink!!
Yeah,I kind of feel the same way.I was digging around in the ICS system dump for the Razr.I almost think id rather have AOSP ICS over what Moto offers,if its gonna look like the Razrs.With ICS,they have to "theme" the AOSP Holo theme,not rework it completely per Google.And looking through the apps,no more Universal Mail Box,my personal favorite.
FernBch said:
Maybe. I guess I can consider myself lucky. I mean, IMHO, Moto's hardware is better than most. They are well built, my reception is top notch, and I do have an unlocked device.
The part that makes Motor suck is the software end. They said they would unlock things, but it appears this is not the case. And who's to say that Sprint doesn't have a hand in this, either? I mean, if we unlock, flash, etc. we are using our devices how WE want, not how THEY want.
Just saying..............
My MoPho's in the kitchen sink!!
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Click to collapse
i love the hardware... seriously it's the best! i hate the locked bootloader. after this phone it's nothing but Nexus phones for me here on out.
For me, Motorola's superior radio is more important than the bootloader. I live out in the country, and I use US Cellular because the Big Four don't consider service to my neck of the woods to be profitable. Even so, US Cellular service with a Samsung or HTC means I have to put my phone in the windowsill to get reception. With Motorola, I can have the phone at my desk or in bed, or in the bathroom which is practically a Faraday cage, and still get calls and messages.
I thought Sprint was abandoning the Photon. Are they still doing so?
Also, thanks for the heads up. My brother has a Photon. I'll make sure he doesn't upgrade to 2.3.5. I've tried to get him to sign up here and learn how to change up his phone. Pretty sure he just has everything stock. (He lives in another state, I've never actually seen his phone.)
Give it time guys. Once Motorola has released their ics update and sprint stops supporting the moto(EOL catches up) then I see no reason why they wouldn't unlock it or at least give us north America at&t so I could "lose" my phone and get its replacement and continue to use this phone as a prepaid go phone after I get my upgrade
Sprints keeping it locked down because its still a high selling phone. You would figure they would want to keep there entire north American nation on their network as long as they are still selling this phone. Sounds like good business to me while also helping the people out that do actually travel the world and still able to use their only world phone to do so. Sprint is being smart with this phone. I would do the same if I were them and if anyone complained to me I would tell them "we gave you a world phone so you could travel. You want a phone you can't leave the US with in exchange for an unlocked bootloader then get one of our many other amazing androids with unlocked restricted to north America only. Either way were getting your money and so does Motorola"
This phone already has more to offer than most high end androids out there. Top notch radios, solid design, superb CPU with nvidia graphics technology, only sprint Android to be unlocked for other country's" it does not have 3D if you want that get the evo 3D.
Please people appreciate what Motorola and sprint has offered us and stop complain so much. Sure I hate that its still locked and i can't use it for At&t but I also understood this before I bought the phone and dealt with it for what it is. Everyone here seems to knows Motorola's past about promises but yet you still purchased this device anyway...
Sent from my I9300 using XDA
tsdeaton said:
Give it time guys. Once Motorola has released their ics update and sprint stops supporting the moto(EOL catches up) then I see no reason why they wouldn't unlock it or at least give us north America at&t so I could "lose" my phone and get its replacement and continue to use this phone as a prepaid go phone after I get my upgrade
Sprints keeping it locked down because its still a high selling phone. You would figure they would want to keep there entire north American nation on their network as long as they are still selling this phone. Sounds like good business to me while also helping the people out that do actually travel the world and still able to use their only world phone to do so. Sprint is being smart with this phone. I would do the same if I were them and if anyone complained to me I would tell them "we gave you a world phone so you could travel. You want a phone you can't leave the US with in exchange for an unlocked bootloader then get one of our many other amazing androids with unlocked restricted to north America only. Either way were getting your money and so does Motorola"
This phone already has more to offer than most high end androids out there. Top notch radios, solid design, superb CPU with nvidia graphics technology, only sprint Android to be unlocked for other country's" it does not have 3D if you want that get the evo 3D.
Please people appreciate what Motorola and sprint has offered us and stop complain so much. Sure I hate that its still locked and i can't use it for At&t but I also understood this before I bought the phone and dealt with it for what it is. Everyone here seems to knows Motorola's past about promises but yet you still purchased this device anyway...
Sent from my I9300 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't hold your breath. Moto has not unlocked any device in the past and the Photon will probably be no different. People have been begging for unlock for the first Droid X and a few others for quite some time.
It was taken away from Electrify users and now Photon users. It will not be given back.
My MoPho's in the kitchen sink!!
tsdeaton said:
Give it time guys. Once Motorola has released their ics update and sprint stops supporting the moto(EOL catches up) then I see no reason why they wouldn't unlock it or at least give us north America at&t so I could "lose" my phone and get its replacement and continue to use this phone as a prepaid go phone after I get my upgrade
Sprints keeping it locked down because its still a high selling phone. You would figure they would want to keep there entire north American nation on their network as long as they are still selling this phone. Sounds like good business to me while also helping the people out that do actually travel the world and still able to use their only world phone to do so. Sprint is being smart with this phone. I would do the same if I were them and if anyone complained to me I would tell them "we gave you a world phone so you could travel. You want a phone you can't leave the US with in exchange for an unlocked bootloader then get one of our many other amazing androids with unlocked restricted to north America only. Either way were getting your money and so does Motorola"
This phone already has more to offer than most high end androids out there. Top notch radios, solid design, superb CPU with nvidia graphics technology, only sprint Android to be unlocked for other country's" it does not have 3D if you want that get the evo 3D.
Please people appreciate what Motorola and sprint has offered us and stop complain so much. Sure I hate that its still locked and i can't use it for At&t but I also understood this before I bought the phone and dealt with it for what it is. Everyone here seems to knows Motorola's past about promises but yet you still purchased this device anyway...
Sent from my I9300 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You misunderstand, what they are talking about here is the bootloader. It needs to be unlocked to flash custom roms and kernels. Right now unlocked bootloader means no 4g. After update it means unable to unlock bootloader at all. Has nothing to do with using on att.
Sent from my MB855 using Tapatalk 2
The OP is right. The next release for the Photon for now is a GB maintenance update. Here is a link to Moto's explanation that defines the terms "update" and "upgrade". On the SOAK test page it says that they are looking for users to test the pre-release "update". I hope the Photon doesn't have the same issues as the Electrify. I have no doubt that ICS upgrade is in the works and will be released in Q3 and this update is a side thing.
posted April 25, 2012 by Remy
ericchan3 said:
"New call for SOAK testers for an upcoming release. Look at the sticky thread for the update posted today. I am hoping its for the ICS update."
This is not going to be an ICS release for a couple of reasons:
1) It does not match up with the timeline posted here on the upgrades page.
2) Terminology; Update = maintenance update, fixes. Upgrade = OS upgrade, ie: ICS.
I hope this helps clear things up.
Thanks,
J
https://forums.motorola.com/posts/25829baf50
bricky23 said:
You misunderstand, what they are talking about here is the bootloader. It needs to be unlocked to flash custom roms and kernels. Right now unlocked bootloader means no 4g. After update it means unable to unlock bootloader at all. Has nothing to do with using on att.
Sent from my MB855 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So your saying that Motorola(or sprint telling moto what's up) has decided to Bork 4G if bootloader is unlocked? Kinda makes sense. If your not going to use software provided by the hard working people over at moto then why should they give you everything? Makes sense wouldnt give us an unlocked bootloader. Because they know that no matter what we will still be able to unlock it ourselves or still find a way to install custom roms and kernels. This isn't their first rodeo obviously. They worked hard to bring us this wonderful phone why would they make it easy for us to replace it?
I understand what you guys are saying. I just thought I would add a bit more to it before it was debated later. Motorola all around still has some of the highest selling android phones most of which have locked bootloaders but somehow still attract the same people that always say "I will never buy a Motorola again!"
Im just trying to get the people to understand that its just like when you were a kid and you touch a hot stove for the first time. You don't touch it again right? Why get the photon if you could have gotten a different high end device? Maybe one with an unlocked bootloader.
Sent from my I9300 using XDA
tsdeaton said:
Give it time guys. Once Motorola has released their ics update and sprint stops supporting the moto(EOL catches up) then I see no reason why they wouldn't unlock it or at least give us north America at&t so I could "lose" my phone and get its replacement and continue to use this phone as a prepaid go phone after I get my upgrade
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All Moto/Sprint has to do is make the claim of "network security concerns" and all petitions and laws related to unlocking can be ignored. Just look at Verizon and devices on Block C frequencies. Now if nobody purchased Moto devices for on release cycle then Moto may reconsider but that will never happen so our phones stay locked by the manufacturer.
True, but someone sooner or later will get an anti trust action or whatever you call it. Microsoft tried that crap and were eventually shot down. Your phone is basically a mini PC. What they are doing is trying to limit software to what they can control.
My MoPho's in the kitchen sink!!
I had used HTC phones for years, but wanted to give Moto a shot.
I'll probably go back to HTC.
But - important - I now no longer see the need to upgrade every year. I got to that point a few years ago with my laptop, and think I'm there with my tablet also.
I quit upgrading every year. There's really no need to. My first was the Moto Q, had it for over a year then I got it wet. My next was a HTC Ozone, grew tired of the WinMo thing after almost two years. Next was a Droid X, I really liked it, even renewed my contract, but Big Red really pissed me off. Now I have the MoPho and it's here to stay. Being able to get ICS from these awesome devs just cements it's place. But Moto does need to either quit making promises they don't intend to keep and/or get with the program.
My MoPho's in the kitchen sink!!
FernBch said:
I quit upgrading every year. There's really no need to. My first was the Moto Q, had it for over a year then I got it wet. My next was a HTC Ozone, grew tired of the WinMo thing after almost two years. Next was a Droid X, I really liked it, even renewed my contract, but Big Red really pissed me off. Now I have the MoPho and it's here to stay. Being able to get ICS from these awesome devs just cements it's place. But Moto does need to either quit making promises they don't intend to keep and/or get with the program.
My MoPho's in the kitchen sink!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After a year in India, one year ago I made the jump from WinMo to Android - have had 3 Android phones in that year. Happy with the Photon for at least another year+ with ICS coming.
FernBch said:
True, but someone sooner or later will get an anti trust action or whatever you call it. Microsoft tried that crap and were eventually shot down. Your phone is basically a mini PC. What they are doing is trying to limit software to what they can control.
My MoPho's in the kitchen sink!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
exactly! if i buy a laptop and it comes with windows 7 on it and i want windows xp i can do that. why the heck can't i do the same with my phone that costs more than my laptop?
like i stated in another thread.... all my devices for now on will be Nexus'. hopefully it will be a motorola one cause i love their hardware but i feel that i should be able to put what ever the hell i want to on my phone. i have a huge problem with the fact that companies won't allow me to do that. so for now on either the phone already has a unlocked bootloader (by the manufacturer or by another means) or i'll just buy a Nexus phone.
Somehow I'm still surprised that this update they are testing is ONLY the 2.3.5 gingerbread update. Somehow I had some sort of hope that this would be the ICS update. Not sure how I was that optimistic about it, I guess I just figured they wouldn't be just now testing an update for the Photon that came out on the electrify over a month ago.
Hey, you know how it is. They have to lay the "ground work"............
My MoPho's in the kitchen sink!!
FernBch said:
Maybe. I guess I can consider myself lucky. I mean, IMHO, Moto's hardware is better than most. They are well built, my reception is top notch, and I do have an unlocked device.
The part that makes Moto suck is the software end. They said they would unlock things, but it appears this is not the case. And who's to say that Sprint doesn't have a hand in this, either? I mean, if we unlock, flash, etc. we are using our devices how WE want, not how THEY want.
Just saying..............
My MoPho's in the kitchen sink!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you 100%. Motorola phones have been very good to me. I need something that's durable with my job, and the way my Motorola phones have held up has been more than acceptable. I am actually scared to try another manufacture's device because of how much luck I've had with Motorola.

Hide and seek gone wrong, Bluetooth not finding/or being seen after JB.

I'm sure this has been discussed before. Bluetooth not working since in update. Is there a way to check if the radio is corrupted or can it be reflashed? So far I have Ruu via dirty racun and tried stock pre jelly bean, when it worked on ICS and the Bluetooth still doesn't work. Its crazy that my phone had no issues at all with ICS meanrom. Everything worked well.
As soon as meanbean/JB I've lost Bluetooth capability. Car audio cannot find my phone nor can I find the car audioon my phone. Same goes for any accessories I have, HP laptop, MacBook pro, Bluetooth speakers. Nothing works. WiFi works well and my navigation has hiccups at times. WiFi tether works and just started to get LTE signal for the first time in my area, but the LTE signal was very weak and speed was slower than 3g. I'm not saying its meanbeans problem but JB? Should I bite the bullet and run ruu and go to sprint and get it repaired/fixed? If so how any issues with the newer phones and rooting?
I've tried other roms super jelly, viper, omj, cm10, meanrom, meanbean. I've had issues with my internal sd card with twrp on ver 2.4 and corrupted which I then did an ruu to fix. Currently on ver 2.3.1 which is stable for me. I'm lost to what to do. Worried about getting a replacement and having issues with the newer hboot. Can Bluetooth just die?
My sig has the current specs.
Arc reactor kernel OC @1.8
Meanbean 2.84
Baseband 1.12.11.1119
Build 3.15.651.16
Hboot 1.19.2222
Twrp 2.3.1
Thanks for any help.
Izzy
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
took a look around as file explorer and found something marked Bluetooth and opened the viewer and its all in Japanese or something.
Is there a way to flash Bluetooth software back or is that done via ruu? Forgive the stupid questions.
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
I would try going for s-off and updating to the latest firmware.
S-off:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1964309
Firmware:
http://themikmik.com/showthread.php...dio-Collection&p=220556&viewfull=1#post220556
Sent from my EVO LTE
premo15 said:
I would try going for s-off and updating to the latest firmware.
S-off:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1964309
Firmware:
http://themikmik.com/showthread.php...dio-Collection&p=220556&viewfull=1#post220556
Sent from my EVO LTE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im already S-OFF and have updated the latest radios, but not hboot...
Well I finally got around to going to Sprint and having them try to see what is causing the Bluetooth and maps to not work. After 2 hours I was told by the rep that they are going to exchange my EVO and would have to wait for a replacement to be shipped.
Hopefully the new one won't give me headaches. Debating whether to keep it stock or unlock s-off and run custom. I just don't want to have issues with my EVO... But of course the power of modding makes this device scream.
Now that I've had this old one for a year its taken its share of beatings and drops.
I have ordered a few cases and my next one will be clothed 98 % of the time. The other 2% when cleaning or mounting for GPS use in car
Google or HTC should have fixed the software issue over the air. But hey my insurance coverage gets me a free new phone because of the hardware issue.. I really can't wait for my contract to upgrade to the HTC One or maybe S4 Samsung depending what I like.
Update
Got my phone and it works great, latest hboot and radios. Bluetooth and google maps works.
I went to go to charge my evo and guess what. Since the device was a referb the min usb plug is broken/damaged/bent. Now i have to go back to sprint tomorrow and have them order me another evo. Sad how I was so excited and getting ready to root but have this given to me straight from the box into the techs hand then to me.
I did see the S4 and One. Both seem so good. The one with the metal case feels solid...
now back to sprint and wait
Bluetooth worked, then didn't
I got My EVO in November... Tried bluetooth last week... didn't work, then i bought a new one... Same. Then, I did a factory reset... worked for about 5 minutes... then disconnected... NO connection since... I'm wondering if since NO insurance... If I'm screwed... I REALLY want to use my bluetooth
AndroInDisguise said:
I got My EVO in November... Tried bluetooth last week... didn't work, then i bought a new one... Same. Then, I did a factory reset... worked for about 5 minutes... then disconnected... NO connection since... I'm wondering if since NO insurance... If I'm screwed... I REALLY want to use my bluetooth
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, take it back to Sprint. At minimum you have a 12 month manufacturer warranty. The ****ty BT hardware is a known issue in some of the EVO LTE production lines. If you say, "I've really been having trouble with my bluetooth - it won't reliably connect.." etc they are most likely to take it back for testing, and shortly thereafter offer to order you a replacement, gratis. Just give it a shot. Worst is that that it will cost you time, best is that you'll probably get a replacement with functioning BT. It worked for me.
Must go to a Sprint corporate store with a repair center.
SimianJones said:
No, take it back to Sprint. At minimum you have a 12 month manufacturer warranty. The ****ty BT hardware is a known issue in some of the EVO LTE production lines. If you say, "I've really been having trouble with my bluetooth - it won't reliably connect.." etc they are most likely to take it back for testing, and shortly thereafter offer to order you a replacement, gratis. Just give it a shot. Worst is that that it will cost you time, best is that you'll probably get a replacement with functioning BT. It worked for me.
Must go to a Sprint corporate store with a repair center.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay quick update... My brother got a HTC one max, gave his girlfriend his One, I got her EVO 4G LTE... Bluetooth now working... My old one... We're working on it...

Buying an S4 & Firmware

Question, what is the likelihood of buying a new GS4 from a vendor and not have the newest software on the phone so that I can unlock the bootloader? Are all phones being shipped with the locked bootloader?
I recently got a "Like new replacement" from Verizon and it came without the update. I immediately turned airplane mode on and had no problem not taking the update.
I've heard other users suggesting that the version installed depends on where you buy it (i.e. from verizon or best buy).
I've also read stories from users that when buying from Verizon the salesperson will update the phone because they think the user wants the update and they do not ask first.
Hope this helps!
Got my S4 from Verizon Wireless online (delivered Monday). Did not cone with update (asked me to update right after I activated).
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
Cares said:
Question, what is the likelihood of buying a new GS4 from a vendor and not have the newest software on the phone so that I can unlock the bootloader? Are all phones being shipped with the locked bootloader?
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I think it's a pretty good bet if you go to a Verizon store and get a 16GB model you're likely to get a non-upgraded one. Even better, search for a store that you think would see less foot-traffic and go there. Going there closer to when they close will make it much less likely that the CSR who sets up your phone will bother with the update (though you can always say your in a rush to get somewhere once they get the phone turned on).
The 32GB models seem to be much more likely to ship with the update pre-installed from what I've heard.
White models are *probably* less popular, so stores will hold onto their stock longer than the black ones, so that may help tip the scales as well.
Good luck. I wouldn't wait too long to upgrade if you're dead set on having an unlocked bootloader.
I got a black 32gb 2 weeks ago and it did not have the update. The 32 gb is only available from Direct Fill warehouses ordered from Verizon themselves AFAIK. So there's not going to be any sitting around in boxes in a store from an old shipment. So when they replenish stock in the warehouse, that's what your phone will be, brand new stock. The 16 gb, however, is likely to have been there awhile. If you go to Best Buy, you can ask them to turn the phone on before they activate it and check the version. I don't see why they'd refuse you, and I highly doubt even Verizon salespeople have any idea of what the new update means and why we don't want it.
That all being said, in my previous experience, they don't typically make the phones with new updates pre-installed until there's a new Android version. They can force the update as soon as you activate it, so there's no reason for them to make Samsung change the factory images they JTAG it with in the first place until there's a significant change (since it's always best to wipe when upgrading Android versions, don't wanna do that in the middle of someone setting up their phone). And they certainly aren't going to open up boxes and start updating them, because again, most everyone will take the update out of the box.
That being said, I would still jump now if you want this phone. There will eventually be a point when all of them come with a newer software version, and there's no way to gauge progress toward another workaround or a true unlock, so you can't bet on that. There are some reports to suggest people got the phone with the update already installed, but that seems to be more refurbished phones, since it looks like even Verizon or Samsung themselves couldn't actually roll the phones back to an older build once the signature was blacklisted in the hardware. So you should be alright ordering now, just make sure you get a new one, and don't put your SIM in. Check the version, if it has ME7 already, take it back and say the phone doesn't perform well even after a factory reset, and you've heard it's likely that update, so you'd like one without it. If it is not updated yet, root it immediately, and block or remove SDM.apk and FWupgrade.apk, and then and only then is it safe to activate the phone.
Sent from my VZW Galaxy S4 Google Play Edition
My 16GB model came from Amazon yesterday without the update.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2
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[Q] Verizon store visit, advice needed. Unroot phone?

Hey all, just want some friendly advice.
My wireless charging stopped working (please don't make fun of me for this) and I considering going into Verizon to talk to a rep.
My phone is out of warranty, and rooted running cm11. I figure because I'm out of warranty, I probably won't get a new phone/refurb phone. But I'm considering trying, just might luck out, ya know?
My question is this, since I don't go to Verizon stores. Do they care about rooting/roms? I've read mixed reports, and don't want to go to the hassle of going back to stock, especially if I'm already SOL. And I have no idea how to get back to stock at this point. I've been running custom roms since I got the phone.
Thanks for the feedback!
jhmn7 said:
Hey all, just want some friendly advice.
My wireless charging stopped working (please don't make fun of me for this) and I considering going into Verizon to talk to a rep.
My phone is out of warranty, and rooted running cm11. I figure because I'm out of warranty, I probably won't get a new phone/refurb phone. But I'm considering trying, just might luck out, ya know?
My question is this, since I don't go to Verizon stores. Do they care about rooting/roms? I've read mixed reports, and don't want to go to the hassle of going back to stock, especially if I'm already SOL. And I have no idea how to get back to stock at this point. I've been running custom roms since I got the phone.
Thanks for the feedback!
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Click to collapse
I would recommend making a backup
>flash a stock Rom that has reports of wireless charging working>check it if it still doesn't work. If it works I'd go thru trouble shooting in your Rom thread, If not I'd assume it's your hardware.(I'd make sure it's not your charger as well) And in that case return it to stock and return it to Verizon.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using XDA Free mobile app
Thanks for the feedback. I've tried both venom and cm11, so I guess I'll flash back to stock and make a trip to the store. Thanks again.
IMO Verizon associates are clueless. They can barely operate tablet they use to check you in the store. My speakerphone had blew out so I took my Rooted, unlocked, custom ROM phone in so they could see it. They didn't say anything. Worst case scenario they say your phone looks different... Just say its a icon pack theme you got off the play store. I've even taken my ladies phone to get looked at....they didn't notice anything. Hope you get your problem resolved!:thumbup:
HTC DNA
LG Optimus G
I would not walk into a VZW store with a rooted phone looking for a refurb. Even if the rep is clueless and replaces your phone with a refurb phone, the refurb facility that gets your old phone will know it is rooted and charge your account several hundreds of dollars for the refurb'd phone that you got in the store. Then it is up to you to prove that it wasn't and try to get your old phone back.
Best thing to do is to do a recovery backup on the existing phone, return to stock, get a replacement, root, s-off, and install recovery, and restore the backup.
barcodelinux said:
I would not walk into a VZW store with a rooted phone looking for a refurb. Even if the rep is clueless and replaces your phone with a refurb phone, the refurb facility that gets your old phone will know it is rooted and charge your account several hundreds of dollars for the refurb'd phone that you got in the store. Then it is up to you to prove that it wasn't and try to get your old phone back.
Best thing to do is to do a recovery backup on the existing phone, return to stock, get a replacement, root, s-off, and install recovery, and restore the backup.
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Click to collapse
When a phone is received by the refurb facility, the phone is checked for three things and if its Rooted/Unlocked isn't one of them. They simply check to see if the box that the device was sent in is damaged, if the phone has any physical damage, and if it powers on. I have friends that are/have been phone techs at Verizon and Sprint. All they do anyways is just reflash the phone. This is just my 2 cents and what I know. Now of you send a rooted/unlocked phone that has major damage you will be charged.... Not for root/unlocked reasons.
HTC DNA
LG Optimus G
d08speed3 said:
When a phone is received by the refurb facility, the phone is checked for three things and if its Rooted/Unlocked isn't one of them. They simply check to see if the box that the device was sent in is damaged, if the phone has any physical damage, and if it powers on. I have friends that are/have been phone techs at Verizon and Sprint. All they do anyways is just reflash the phone. This is just my 2 cents and what I know. Now of you send a rooted/unlocked phone that has major damage you will be charged.... Not for root/unlocked reasons.
HTC DNA
LG Optimus G
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the advice. Love your speed3. I used to have a 2007, right when it came out. Awesome car :good:
jhmn7 said:
Thanks for the advice. Love your speed3. I used to have a 2007, right when it came out. Awesome car :good:
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Haha Thanks man. It's my baby. Fully bolted tuned on e85! Its a beast!
HTC DNA
LG Optimus G

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